Cordless Drills Again

[sarj]

I would have chimed in on this earlier if I saw it. I've used just about everything and that 28v Milwaukee is by far the best. It's very well balanced and I enjoy having the LED/s on the batteries letting you know what kind of charge is left. I also use the flashlight as much as I use the drill. All my 18v Dewalt stuff stays at home.

 

[Ol'TrailDog]

I've still got a couple of the old Milwaukee 12v (one I leave in Bozeman for the wife to use). I keep the 1/2 model that looks like their other drills, i. e. mag gear case and I have nothing to complain about how good it has been for 95% of my needs. If I'm drilling thicker steel for a number of holes I resort to the Milwaukee 1/2 holeshooter.

 

[mrsnow]

Good choice GMike!
I have the same set myself and I love it. A word of caution though, don't let the batterys get wet. I left the flashlight out next to the grill one night and of course it rained. Tried everything to save the bat. but it was toast. replacement is anywhere from $100-140

 

[Flying_gage]

For what it is worth... I have I guess would be a bit of inside info as I just saw Ace Hardware's Dec. 2 flyer. In it is an 18v Dewalt, (not XRP) drill for $72. It includes a charger and two batteries. For those with Dewalt this is a steal!



I am really torn on this issue as I have all bosch at this point. Bought my set about 4-5 years ago and the jigsaw died within 8 months and the hammer drill died within 18 mos. Was pretty committed to changing brands even though I have a bunch of monies wrapped up in batteries and a second charger.



Now I see that the new lithium ion Bosch stuff is out and pretty reasonably priced with a pretty good support program. Anyone have any feedback on new Bosch Lithium Ion stuff?

 

[GMike]

Good choice GMike!

I have the same set myself and I love it. A word of caution though, don't let the batterys get wet. I left the flashlight out next to the grill one night and of course it rained. Tried everything to save the bat. but it was toast. replacement is anywhere from $100-140

Will do Andrew, thanks for the warning.



Mike

 

[6BT-Dakota]

Really you MUST check out the Makita LXT series BEFORE you buy anything else.



They are extremely well designed and built, LIGHTER, but more powerful then any other similar voltage cordless unit. I use their 18 volt series and it has never let me down. The impact driver leaves all other drivers I have ever used in the dust in terms of power and ease of operation--as I get older, I prefer my tools to be lighter as well as powerful.



Just a note, when I first bought the set, I laughed at the inclusion of their LCD light on eact tool that helps to light up the area of operation, but NOW I laugh at myself each time it turns on automatically when I pull the trigger, because more often then not I need more light to see what I am doing, and the little LCD actaully throws enought light for me to be grateful for it. !!



Just my 2 cents-- they are AWESOME!!

I also have the 18V Makita LXT. As seafish said, it's light weight and has plenty of power. I have the 8 tool combo set that includes everything, even a AM/FM/ipod ready radio.



I also have Milwaukee, DeWalt and Ridgid cordless tools. The Makita with 4, 18V lithium batteries is the best. Yes, I use these tools every day.

IMHO, the new Makita LI ion 18v blow the older NiCad or NiMh away interms of power to weight ratio. I am also pretty sure that volt per volt, they pack more punch then the Dewalt, and are also MUCH lighter.

I have one of these Makita LTX drills and I love it. It is light weight, it has the LED light and it is powerful enough to almost break one of my fingers when I was drilling a 1 1/4" hole thru a stud to run some wires the self feeding bit caught a nail that I missed pulling out of the stud and almost twisted me around on the ladder. Lets not forget the charger sings to you when it is done charging.



Rob

 

[Grizzly]

Last weekend I was installing an outlet under a kitchen countertop. I did have a good light with me, but that little LED light on my Makita 18V drill lights up the area you're working on perfectly. The Makita circular saw, as well as some of the other tools, have that Led light, which is as handy as a pocket.

 

[magothy1]

battery tools

I got an 18 volt Dewalt set awhile back, the original batteries weren't too impressive for longevity, and you'll spend some money replacing them. The tools are good, I also got a 4 1/2" side grinder, it's extremely handy on the boat. I have a couple Porter Cable 14 volt drills that I like alot, and I've had a few Makitas, too. The Dewalt set was a gift, otherwise I'd have Milwaukee, that's my favorite tool brand after 30 years of commercial fishing. They will not let you down.